In summary
Test shots showed excellent edge-to-edge image sharpness, clearly defined areas of colour and no detectable chromatic aberration, although some blooming was detected in contrasty shots and night shots at ISO 400 had visible image noise. . . [more]
Full review
Panasonic Lumix FZ20
Panasonic’s 5-megapixel FZ20 has plenty to offer to photographers who want a digicam with a long telephoto lens. The lens maintains its large f2.8 maximum aperture throughout the optical zoom range and includes optical image stabilisation Virtually all of the shooting functions a keen photographer requires are provided, including P, A, S and M shooting modes and program shift. There’s also a real-time histogram display and on-demand rule of thirds grid lines (sadly, they cannot be viewed simultaneously). The large, bright LCD monitor makes changing settings and viewing shots easy and it’s also easy to switch between the monitor and the EVF when required. The menu system is well-designed and easy to read but some control settings are not intuitively located, requiring use of the instruction manual in the early learning stages. The image stabilisation system is excellent and the high-quality lens means you can extend the zoom range further with the digital zoom without worrying about compromised picture quality.
Test shots showed excellent edge-to-edge image sharpness, clearly defined areas of colour and no detectable chromatic aberration, although some blooming was detected in contrasty shots and night shots at ISO 400 had visible image noise.
Strengths
- ‘Mega OIS’ optical image stabilisation
- Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 6-72mm 12x zoom lens
- Excellent menu system and instruction manual
Weaknesses
- Untethered lens cap
- Easy to reset the mode dial inadvertently
- Some blooming found in contrasty shots. [BG05]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.34 x 4.01mm CCD with 5,360,000 photosites (5.0 megapixels effective)
Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 6-72mm f2.8 stabilised zoom (36-432mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 12x optical, up to 4x digital
Lens multiplier factor: 6.1x
Dimensions (wxhxd): 135 x 87.2 x 106.2mm
Weight: 514g (without battery and card)
Retailers
CamBuy
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Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
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The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
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CameraPro Pty Ltd
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Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
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Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
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Camerastore.com.au
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Camera-Warehouse
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Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
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174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
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1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
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Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
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